If you haven't heard, I'm blogging daily with other #ReverbBroads11 through the month of December. Today's prompt: Who would you most like to meet and why?
I am not going to give you just one person, but I'm going to try to structure this in a way that makes sense. At least, it will make sense to me. I participated in (and exceeded) the #52in52 project this year, which guides a lot of this, but this is also a question that I've been asked for years, and some of those answers still exist.
Authors
I'm a bookworm. During college, I lost my love for reading (I think I just lost the time, honestly) but I re-discovered it when I moved to Chicago, thankfully. Through my #52in52 project, these are the authors I'd love to meet:
Greg Mortenson
His book truly inspired me. I read it on the recommendation of my friend, Kate, and fell in love. I did read, later, Three Cups of Deceit by Jon Krakauer, but I still would love to meet Greg. If I did meet him, I probably wouldn't even mention Three Cups of Deceit, as Greg's story is truly a wonderful one. If you haven't read this, please pick up a copy of Three Cups of Tea.
Judy Shepard
I knew that I would cry when I read this story, but I decided to take it with me on the train, anyway. I became "that girl" the one that you try not to stare at as she is sitting there, by herself, sobbing in public, and it was okay. Judy and the Shepard family have gone through so many challenges, but she continues to stand for what she believes in, and to never be a silent bystander.
Additionally, I've always said I want to meet Shakespeare, and I still stand by that. I think it would be quite the dinner conversation. In one of my English courses in college, I was told that my interpretation of some of his sonnet's was incorrect. I would probably ask him about those, videotape the conversation, and then go and find her to prove that I'm right. (I'm stubborn, obviously.)
Musical Group
I went through a period of time in high school when I thought I loved punk rock, and I'm glad that I grew out of that, because I never would have been able to see the Indigo Girls live. While I have seen them live, a few times, I would love to sit down and have a beer with them. They have been together forever, and now that Amy is doing some individual performing on the side, I'd love to know how that is working, and if that has any negative effects on them as a duo. Having performed that long with one person, I wonder if they are still good friends, and how they are still coming up with new music.
I find them fascinating, and I'm sure most of my questions for them would catch them off guard, but I imagine that we would be great friends, after they could get over my obsession :)
Down to Earth
There are many famous people I'd love to meet (Ellen, Rosie, The Obama family & The Clinton's, to name a few) and many famous people that I hope I never meet. But if I could go back in time, with my family, I would love to meet my grandmother and my Papa when they were college-aged. I don't remember my grandfather very much, but I think that would be an excellent time to sit down with them and pick their brains about life, love and happiness.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
#ReverbBroads11: Least Favorite
For those of you who don't know, I'm attempting to blog once daily with #ReverbBroads11, following a daily prompt schedule. Today's prompt: Instead of a list of your favorite things, write a list of your least favorite things, e.g. Worst book you ever finished, the color you hate, bad songs, bad romances, bad recipes.
This is not a hard post to write, however, I do feel a little guilty about some of these things. If you like these things (foods, recipes, songs, actors, etc.) please don't feel that you have to hide it from me. In fact, you can share why you like it with me - especially with food. I'm willing to try to like things, I promise. That being said...
1) Being called Mr. Garrett is the worst. My first name is JUST Alex. So, when most people see "Alex Garrett" they feel the need to respond to Mr. Garrett. All I will say on this is: If you are unsure of the gender of the individual you are addressing, the Mr., Ms., & Mrs. can be eliminated.
2) Keanu Reeves is dreadful. I hadn't thought about him until yesterday, when we ended up talking about The Matrix at lunch, but I cannot stand him. I just looked him up on IMDB and I am shocked to see that he has movies and all sorts of things through 2013. Find me a movie where he was good, please.
3) I hate being disrespected. This applies to life, but most of my examples are work related. When students ask me one thing, but decide my answer is either wrong or they don't like it, so they go to my co-worker to get (hopefully) a different answer, I die a little inside. I do everything I can to make the Earth move for my students, but these little disrespectful acts get me down. Additionally, I hate when I'm talking to some bill payer (about changing service, additional fees that randomly showed up, etc.) and I'm not getting anywhere, when I give the phone to Brandon and he accomplishes it in less than 10 minutes.
4) I don't want to know where my food came from. I am pretty sure I would be a vegetarian if I lived alone and had different hours at work. I don't want to know that Blue Cheese is molded for a few months, right before I shove that spicy sandwich in my mouth. I don't want to know the process for getting that steak, that pork, or the chicken onto my kitchen table. If I think about it long enough, I won't be able to eat it.
5) Christmas music is classic. Don't mess it up by making it Country, or Rock. If you are going to cover a traditional holiday song, please cover it appropriately. And sing Deck the Hall, no S.
6) I love giving my opinion. But if you ask for it, and don't really want it, that's annoying. Please only ask for input if you need it, not just to justify your own decision making, or to make you look better. Additionally, that's all it is. My opinion. We all are entitled to have one, and most of the time, your opinion cannot be wrong, so please don't tell me that it is.
What are your least favorite things?
1) Being called Mr. Garrett is the worst. My first name is JUST Alex. So, when most people see "Alex Garrett" they feel the need to respond to Mr. Garrett. All I will say on this is: If you are unsure of the gender of the individual you are addressing, the Mr., Ms., & Mrs. can be eliminated.
2) Keanu Reeves is dreadful. I hadn't thought about him until yesterday, when we ended up talking about The Matrix at lunch, but I cannot stand him. I just looked him up on IMDB and I am shocked to see that he has movies and all sorts of things through 2013. Find me a movie where he was good, please.
3) I hate being disrespected. This applies to life, but most of my examples are work related. When students ask me one thing, but decide my answer is either wrong or they don't like it, so they go to my co-worker to get (hopefully) a different answer, I die a little inside. I do everything I can to make the Earth move for my students, but these little disrespectful acts get me down. Additionally, I hate when I'm talking to some bill payer (about changing service, additional fees that randomly showed up, etc.) and I'm not getting anywhere, when I give the phone to Brandon and he accomplishes it in less than 10 minutes.
4) I don't want to know where my food came from. I am pretty sure I would be a vegetarian if I lived alone and had different hours at work. I don't want to know that Blue Cheese is molded for a few months, right before I shove that spicy sandwich in my mouth. I don't want to know the process for getting that steak, that pork, or the chicken onto my kitchen table. If I think about it long enough, I won't be able to eat it.
5) Christmas music is classic. Don't mess it up by making it Country, or Rock. If you are going to cover a traditional holiday song, please cover it appropriately. And sing Deck the Hall, no S.
6) I love giving my opinion. But if you ask for it, and don't really want it, that's annoying. Please only ask for input if you need it, not just to justify your own decision making, or to make you look better. Additionally, that's all it is. My opinion. We all are entitled to have one, and most of the time, your opinion cannot be wrong, so please don't tell me that it is.
What are your least favorite things?
#ReverbBroads11: Pet Peeves
If you haven't heard, I'm blogging with a group of awesome people, following #ReverbBroads11 and posting with a prompt a day through December. Today's prompt: What are your biggest pet peeves?
My sophomore year in high school, we had to give a speech on this very topic. I'm pretty sure I got mocked for what I did it on, but it still stands as one of my pet peeves. As I was growing up, my parents kind of let me be free to make my own choices (leading to mistakes), but were of course there to help me pick myself back up. Something that irritates me is over-protective (& do-everything-for-you) parents. You can call them helicopter parents (who really are just very concerned about their child, which is appropriate), or whatever else you want to call them, but I've met so many people who don't have basic life skills (laundry, dishes, grocery shopping, etc.) because their parents have planned, structured, and done their whole life for them. I don't have children, and my thought on this may change, but it just bugs me.
In addition, (this shouldn't come as a surprise) grammar errors irritate me. In re-reading some of my OWN blog posts from the past, while writing on my iPad, I have found some and that is very frustrating. Spell check and grammar checks exist for some reason, so at least use that.
I also cringe at bad pet-owners. I'm not the exemplary pet owner, and I know that, but basic pet training (generally applying this to dogs) is not that complicated, and is necessary.
It also drives me crazy when we put ourselves down, for whatever reason. Whether we are fat, ugly, our hair sucks, our clothes are stupid, or we are stupid, I can't stand to hear those around me put themselves down. We all live a rough life, and we need to remember that we are who we are for a reason. On that note, say 1 nice thing to someone a day and I promise you'll feel tons better.
What are your pet peeves?
My sophomore year in high school, we had to give a speech on this very topic. I'm pretty sure I got mocked for what I did it on, but it still stands as one of my pet peeves. As I was growing up, my parents kind of let me be free to make my own choices (leading to mistakes), but were of course there to help me pick myself back up. Something that irritates me is over-protective (& do-everything-for-you) parents. You can call them helicopter parents (who really are just very concerned about their child, which is appropriate), or whatever else you want to call them, but I've met so many people who don't have basic life skills (laundry, dishes, grocery shopping, etc.) because their parents have planned, structured, and done their whole life for them. I don't have children, and my thought on this may change, but it just bugs me.
In addition, (this shouldn't come as a surprise) grammar errors irritate me. In re-reading some of my OWN blog posts from the past, while writing on my iPad, I have found some and that is very frustrating. Spell check and grammar checks exist for some reason, so at least use that.
I also cringe at bad pet-owners. I'm not the exemplary pet owner, and I know that, but basic pet training (generally applying this to dogs) is not that complicated, and is necessary.
It also drives me crazy when we put ourselves down, for whatever reason. Whether we are fat, ugly, our hair sucks, our clothes are stupid, or we are stupid, I can't stand to hear those around me put themselves down. We all live a rough life, and we need to remember that we are who we are for a reason. On that note, say 1 nice thing to someone a day and I promise you'll feel tons better.
What are your pet peeves?
Thursday, December 15, 2011
#ReverbBroads11 - All Caught up with New Flavors
I really began to challenge myself in cooking this year. Sometimes this is hard, because I get home at 7:00 after a super busy and long day and the last thing I want to do is chop, dice, sizzle, and stir. But, with Brandon's assistance, we've made some pretty awesome discoveries.
- We tried MANGO (fresh, not a syrup) for the first time. I loved it, but it took 3 mangoes before I figured out how to cut it. I'm not sure if I could even do it again without watching the YouTube video of how to cut a Mango. I never even asked Brandon if he liked it, because I know it's a keeper.
- I started using Dill Weed (a spice, whether or not Brandon believes me.) I'm still not sure it actually does anything, but I've used it.
- We tried polenta, and may or may not have hated it. It is not making a return to our house.
- I had Mochi and (the second time around) loved it. See Brandon's Birthday Extravaganza for pictures.
- B and I ate at Chick Fil A for the first time and while I loved the TASTE I've recently decided I don't know how much I can support the CHAIN. (Want to know more? Just ask!)
What new flavors have you tried this year?
If you haven't heard, I'm blogging with #ReverbBroads11 and a prompt a day through the month of December. Today's prompt: Did you taste any new flavors this year? Did you love or hate them or something in between? Will you incorporate these new flavors into your life?
- We tried MANGO (fresh, not a syrup) for the first time. I loved it, but it took 3 mangoes before I figured out how to cut it. I'm not sure if I could even do it again without watching the YouTube video of how to cut a Mango. I never even asked Brandon if he liked it, because I know it's a keeper.
- I started using Dill Weed (a spice, whether or not Brandon believes me.) I'm still not sure it actually does anything, but I've used it.
- We tried polenta, and may or may not have hated it. It is not making a return to our house.
- I had Mochi and (the second time around) loved it. See Brandon's Birthday Extravaganza for pictures.
- B and I ate at Chick Fil A for the first time and while I loved the TASTE I've recently decided I don't know how much I can support the CHAIN. (Want to know more? Just ask!)
What new flavors have you tried this year?
If you haven't heard, I'm blogging with #ReverbBroads11 and a prompt a day through the month of December. Today's prompt: Did you taste any new flavors this year? Did you love or hate them or something in between? Will you incorporate these new flavors into your life?
#ReverbBroads11 - Volunteering
Woah - Nothing can ever prepare you to take a week off of work (even during finals week). I thought I'd be all ready to stay up to date on #ReverbBroads when I got back from vacation, but I've spent some quality time with my couch and my bed. I've been exhausted, which I guess happens when you have to respond to 240+ emails.
I don't volunteer, and I don't know why. I did some volunteer work in high school, and I worked at my Grandma's work for awhile, too, but once I got to college I never could seem to get back in the groove of volunteering, but I want to.
I really want to do something in my life to give back to the community, like volunteering at a homeless shelter, a women's shelter, or working with kids, but I'm not sure how to get involved. If you are in the Chicago area - do you volunteer? Where, and how often? If you don't currently volunteer, do you know of places that could use volunteers?
The biggest question is why haven't I, and there are a few reasons. One reason is time - I'm still working on balancing my personal life and my work schedule (even after a year and a half in my job). Going along with this, I'm sometimes not willing to give up my Saturday or Sunday morning sleep, which is something that has to change. Finally, I'm not always comfortable going outside of my comfort zone, and I don't know many people in the Chicago area that volunteer, so I can't just tag along with a friend or colleague. I'm hoping I can find somewhere near either work or home in the next year that I can help out at.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating in #ReverbBroads11 with a daily blog prompt through December. For today, Is volunteering something you do regularly? If yes where do you volunteer? If not, why not?
I don't volunteer, and I don't know why. I did some volunteer work in high school, and I worked at my Grandma's work for awhile, too, but once I got to college I never could seem to get back in the groove of volunteering, but I want to.
I really want to do something in my life to give back to the community, like volunteering at a homeless shelter, a women's shelter, or working with kids, but I'm not sure how to get involved. If you are in the Chicago area - do you volunteer? Where, and how often? If you don't currently volunteer, do you know of places that could use volunteers?
The biggest question is why haven't I, and there are a few reasons. One reason is time - I'm still working on balancing my personal life and my work schedule (even after a year and a half in my job). Going along with this, I'm sometimes not willing to give up my Saturday or Sunday morning sleep, which is something that has to change. Finally, I'm not always comfortable going outside of my comfort zone, and I don't know many people in the Chicago area that volunteer, so I can't just tag along with a friend or colleague. I'm hoping I can find somewhere near either work or home in the next year that I can help out at.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating in #ReverbBroads11 with a daily blog prompt through December. For today, Is volunteering something you do regularly? If yes where do you volunteer? If not, why not?
#ReverbBroads11 - 3 Best
On Twitter, I periodically (very rarely, actually) take part in #3best. Some days, it's hard to find 3 things that went right in a day, but I manage. This prompt, however is a lot harder. I don't like to brag, and in my constant comparison of myself to others, I don't think I'm better at much, at least not in comparison. I contemplated not doing this post, but I'm hopeful I can get every post this month (even if they are late.) But, a few days late, here we go:
1) I'm a really fast reader. I managed to read 52 books in the first 40 or so weeks this year. I obtain most of the information, too. In 3rd grade, I checked a book out for silent reading hour and returned it to the library at the end of the hour. My teacher asked why I didn't like the book - she had recommended it. I told her I loved it, and she didn't believe I had finished that quickly, so she gave me a quiz (which I aced.)
2) I'm an excellent gift giver. Honestly, I don't have a very good memory (this makes starting a new job tricky, especially when meeting students) but I latch on when people talk about what they have always wanted (like the Back to the Future trilogy on VHS), or when they talk about things they need, or had as a child that they miss (like a Wood Engraver). I love giving gifts, but don't really like receiving them, because I get nervous (something I cannot explain.)
3) I won't go as far as saying I'm an excellent writer (again, in comparison, I couldn't finish my NaNoWriMo novel) but I'm a fabulous proofreader. Spelling, punctuation, spacing, all of it. I attribute that to my two years as my high school yearbook editor, and my high school English teacher. It's an awesome skill, but it also then irritates me when I get professional publications, emails or letters that are incorrect. I'm always willing to read things through, if you'd like.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating in #ReverbBroads11, a post a day through the month of December. Today's prompt: What are three things you are better at than most people?
1) I'm a really fast reader. I managed to read 52 books in the first 40 or so weeks this year. I obtain most of the information, too. In 3rd grade, I checked a book out for silent reading hour and returned it to the library at the end of the hour. My teacher asked why I didn't like the book - she had recommended it. I told her I loved it, and she didn't believe I had finished that quickly, so she gave me a quiz (which I aced.)
2) I'm an excellent gift giver. Honestly, I don't have a very good memory (this makes starting a new job tricky, especially when meeting students) but I latch on when people talk about what they have always wanted (like the Back to the Future trilogy on VHS), or when they talk about things they need, or had as a child that they miss (like a Wood Engraver). I love giving gifts, but don't really like receiving them, because I get nervous (something I cannot explain.)
3) I won't go as far as saying I'm an excellent writer (again, in comparison, I couldn't finish my NaNoWriMo novel) but I'm a fabulous proofreader. Spelling, punctuation, spacing, all of it. I attribute that to my two years as my high school yearbook editor, and my high school English teacher. It's an awesome skill, but it also then irritates me when I get professional publications, emails or letters that are incorrect. I'm always willing to read things through, if you'd like.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating in #ReverbBroads11, a post a day through the month of December. Today's prompt: What are three things you are better at than most people?
12/9/2011 #ReverbBroads11 - Children's Book
When I was younger, I had a library. Sounds cute, right? Well, it was a little obsessive. You had to check the books out, and I'm sure I'd try to fine you if you returned it late. My parents still have most of them, but I've slowly taken the books back, especially my favorites. I loved The American Girl, The Boxcar Children, Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys so much, but in re-thinking, here are my favorites.
1) Cap'n O.G. Read More - I still can quote this book. This cat has such an appetite for books, and whenever my own cat "comes back" from somewhere in the house, I serenade Brandon with the details of this cat and his love for reading.
2) The Very Hungry Caterpillar - what is not to love about this colorful, fun, learning book?
3) I Have To Go - this book is about the need to pee. Not necessarily a potty training book, but it was a staple growing up, especially on road trips. I have what a friend of mine refers to as a hummingbird bladder, so this was always enjoyable, because it was generally true.
4) Love You Forever - My dad was military, and I remember (this could be a made up memory) reading this book, about the love from parents to children, and thinking that my dad could hear me and knew that was true, no matter where he was.
5) In the Night Kitchen - I remember loving this book. I still have it, even if it is inappropriate with a naked child. The illustrations are brilliant, and I still enjoy this classic.
6) Stand Back Said the Elephant - My dad would do the greatest voices to books. Since he was gone a lot, he made me a tape recording of him reading a number of my favorites. This one always had the best voices, and was also very, very silly.
7) Paper Bag Princess - My mom always read this tale to me. It was ridiculous, but all I remember was loving the story and the illustrations. I don't own this any,ore, so I may need to put it on a wish list (or just buy it for myself.)
8) the Indian in the Cupboard - I recently bought this movie from a $5.00 bin and it was just as amazing I remember. I did a lot of dress up and pretend play, and I remember incorporating a magical cabinet into my play time, too.
9) The Egypt Game - A book that I read later in my childhood, but one that I loved. I still own this, and actually bought her second novel (The Gypsy Game) recently. Of course, I read it a lot faster, but I still loved it. The friendship between Melanie and April was something that I longed for, as I remember struggling to have that long lasting friendship, especially considering how often I moved schools during elementary school.
I normally hate to leave things at such an awkward number, but those are my nine favorites. Even if you are not participating in #ReverbBroads11, I hope you share your favorites with me.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating (but can't seem to remember to actually PUBLISH the posts) in #ReverbBroads11, a daily prompt through December. Today's prompt: What was your favorite children's book?
1) Cap'n O.G. Read More - I still can quote this book. This cat has such an appetite for books, and whenever my own cat "comes back" from somewhere in the house, I serenade Brandon with the details of this cat and his love for reading.
2) The Very Hungry Caterpillar - what is not to love about this colorful, fun, learning book?
3) I Have To Go - this book is about the need to pee. Not necessarily a potty training book, but it was a staple growing up, especially on road trips. I have what a friend of mine refers to as a hummingbird bladder, so this was always enjoyable, because it was generally true.
4) Love You Forever - My dad was military, and I remember (this could be a made up memory) reading this book, about the love from parents to children, and thinking that my dad could hear me and knew that was true, no matter where he was.
5) In the Night Kitchen - I remember loving this book. I still have it, even if it is inappropriate with a naked child. The illustrations are brilliant, and I still enjoy this classic.
6) Stand Back Said the Elephant - My dad would do the greatest voices to books. Since he was gone a lot, he made me a tape recording of him reading a number of my favorites. This one always had the best voices, and was also very, very silly.
7) Paper Bag Princess - My mom always read this tale to me. It was ridiculous, but all I remember was loving the story and the illustrations. I don't own this any,ore, so I may need to put it on a wish list (or just buy it for myself.)
8) the Indian in the Cupboard - I recently bought this movie from a $5.00 bin and it was just as amazing I remember. I did a lot of dress up and pretend play, and I remember incorporating a magical cabinet into my play time, too.
9) The Egypt Game - A book that I read later in my childhood, but one that I loved. I still own this, and actually bought her second novel (The Gypsy Game) recently. Of course, I read it a lot faster, but I still loved it. The friendship between Melanie and April was something that I longed for, as I remember struggling to have that long lasting friendship, especially considering how often I moved schools during elementary school.
I normally hate to leave things at such an awkward number, but those are my nine favorites. Even if you are not participating in #ReverbBroads11, I hope you share your favorites with me.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating (but can't seem to remember to actually PUBLISH the posts) in #ReverbBroads11, a daily prompt through December. Today's prompt: What was your favorite children's book?
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#ReverbBroads11 - Let's meet!
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Sunday, December 18, 2011
If you haven't heard, I'm blogging daily with other #ReverbBroads11 through the month of December. Today's prompt: Who would you most like to meet and why?
I am not going to give you just one person, but I'm going to try to structure this in a way that makes sense. At least, it will make sense to me. I participated in (and exceeded) the #52in52 project this year, which guides a lot of this, but this is also a question that I've been asked for years, and some of those answers still exist.
Authors
I'm a bookworm. During college, I lost my love for reading (I think I just lost the time, honestly) but I re-discovered it when I moved to Chicago, thankfully. Through my #52in52 project, these are the authors I'd love to meet:
Greg Mortenson
His book truly inspired me. I read it on the recommendation of my friend, Kate, and fell in love. I did read, later, Three Cups of Deceit by Jon Krakauer, but I still would love to meet Greg. If I did meet him, I probably wouldn't even mention Three Cups of Deceit, as Greg's story is truly a wonderful one. If you haven't read this, please pick up a copy of Three Cups of Tea.
Judy Shepard
I knew that I would cry when I read this story, but I decided to take it with me on the train, anyway. I became "that girl" the one that you try not to stare at as she is sitting there, by herself, sobbing in public, and it was okay. Judy and the Shepard family have gone through so many challenges, but she continues to stand for what she believes in, and to never be a silent bystander.
Additionally, I've always said I want to meet Shakespeare, and I still stand by that. I think it would be quite the dinner conversation. In one of my English courses in college, I was told that my interpretation of some of his sonnet's was incorrect. I would probably ask him about those, videotape the conversation, and then go and find her to prove that I'm right. (I'm stubborn, obviously.)
Musical Group
I went through a period of time in high school when I thought I loved punk rock, and I'm glad that I grew out of that, because I never would have been able to see the Indigo Girls live. While I have seen them live, a few times, I would love to sit down and have a beer with them. They have been together forever, and now that Amy is doing some individual performing on the side, I'd love to know how that is working, and if that has any negative effects on them as a duo. Having performed that long with one person, I wonder if they are still good friends, and how they are still coming up with new music.
I find them fascinating, and I'm sure most of my questions for them would catch them off guard, but I imagine that we would be great friends, after they could get over my obsession :)
Down to Earth
There are many famous people I'd love to meet (Ellen, Rosie, The Obama family & The Clinton's, to name a few) and many famous people that I hope I never meet. But if I could go back in time, with my family, I would love to meet my grandmother and my Papa when they were college-aged. I don't remember my grandfather very much, but I think that would be an excellent time to sit down with them and pick their brains about life, love and happiness.
I am not going to give you just one person, but I'm going to try to structure this in a way that makes sense. At least, it will make sense to me. I participated in (and exceeded) the #52in52 project this year, which guides a lot of this, but this is also a question that I've been asked for years, and some of those answers still exist.
Authors
I'm a bookworm. During college, I lost my love for reading (I think I just lost the time, honestly) but I re-discovered it when I moved to Chicago, thankfully. Through my #52in52 project, these are the authors I'd love to meet:
Greg Mortenson
His book truly inspired me. I read it on the recommendation of my friend, Kate, and fell in love. I did read, later, Three Cups of Deceit by Jon Krakauer, but I still would love to meet Greg. If I did meet him, I probably wouldn't even mention Three Cups of Deceit, as Greg's story is truly a wonderful one. If you haven't read this, please pick up a copy of Three Cups of Tea.
Judy Shepard
I knew that I would cry when I read this story, but I decided to take it with me on the train, anyway. I became "that girl" the one that you try not to stare at as she is sitting there, by herself, sobbing in public, and it was okay. Judy and the Shepard family have gone through so many challenges, but she continues to stand for what she believes in, and to never be a silent bystander.
Additionally, I've always said I want to meet Shakespeare, and I still stand by that. I think it would be quite the dinner conversation. In one of my English courses in college, I was told that my interpretation of some of his sonnet's was incorrect. I would probably ask him about those, videotape the conversation, and then go and find her to prove that I'm right. (I'm stubborn, obviously.)
Musical Group
I went through a period of time in high school when I thought I loved punk rock, and I'm glad that I grew out of that, because I never would have been able to see the Indigo Girls live. While I have seen them live, a few times, I would love to sit down and have a beer with them. They have been together forever, and now that Amy is doing some individual performing on the side, I'd love to know how that is working, and if that has any negative effects on them as a duo. Having performed that long with one person, I wonder if they are still good friends, and how they are still coming up with new music.
I find them fascinating, and I'm sure most of my questions for them would catch them off guard, but I imagine that we would be great friends, after they could get over my obsession :)
Down to Earth
There are many famous people I'd love to meet (Ellen, Rosie, The Obama family & The Clinton's, to name a few) and many famous people that I hope I never meet. But if I could go back in time, with my family, I would love to meet my grandmother and my Papa when they were college-aged. I don't remember my grandfather very much, but I think that would be an excellent time to sit down with them and pick their brains about life, love and happiness.
#ReverbBroads11: Least Favorite
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Saturday, December 17, 2011
For those of you who don't know, I'm attempting to blog once daily with #ReverbBroads11, following a daily prompt schedule. Today's prompt: Instead of a list of your favorite things, write a list of your least favorite things, e.g. Worst book you ever finished, the color you hate, bad songs, bad romances, bad recipes.
This is not a hard post to write, however, I do feel a little guilty about some of these things. If you like these things (foods, recipes, songs, actors, etc.) please don't feel that you have to hide it from me. In fact, you can share why you like it with me - especially with food. I'm willing to try to like things, I promise. That being said...
1) Being called Mr. Garrett is the worst. My first name is JUST Alex. So, when most people see "Alex Garrett" they feel the need to respond to Mr. Garrett. All I will say on this is: If you are unsure of the gender of the individual you are addressing, the Mr., Ms., & Mrs. can be eliminated.
2) Keanu Reeves is dreadful. I hadn't thought about him until yesterday, when we ended up talking about The Matrix at lunch, but I cannot stand him. I just looked him up on IMDB and I am shocked to see that he has movies and all sorts of things through 2013. Find me a movie where he was good, please.
3) I hate being disrespected. This applies to life, but most of my examples are work related. When students ask me one thing, but decide my answer is either wrong or they don't like it, so they go to my co-worker to get (hopefully) a different answer, I die a little inside. I do everything I can to make the Earth move for my students, but these little disrespectful acts get me down. Additionally, I hate when I'm talking to some bill payer (about changing service, additional fees that randomly showed up, etc.) and I'm not getting anywhere, when I give the phone to Brandon and he accomplishes it in less than 10 minutes.
4) I don't want to know where my food came from. I am pretty sure I would be a vegetarian if I lived alone and had different hours at work. I don't want to know that Blue Cheese is molded for a few months, right before I shove that spicy sandwich in my mouth. I don't want to know the process for getting that steak, that pork, or the chicken onto my kitchen table. If I think about it long enough, I won't be able to eat it.
5) Christmas music is classic. Don't mess it up by making it Country, or Rock. If you are going to cover a traditional holiday song, please cover it appropriately. And sing Deck the Hall, no S.
6) I love giving my opinion. But if you ask for it, and don't really want it, that's annoying. Please only ask for input if you need it, not just to justify your own decision making, or to make you look better. Additionally, that's all it is. My opinion. We all are entitled to have one, and most of the time, your opinion cannot be wrong, so please don't tell me that it is.
What are your least favorite things?
1) Being called Mr. Garrett is the worst. My first name is JUST Alex. So, when most people see "Alex Garrett" they feel the need to respond to Mr. Garrett. All I will say on this is: If you are unsure of the gender of the individual you are addressing, the Mr., Ms., & Mrs. can be eliminated.
2) Keanu Reeves is dreadful. I hadn't thought about him until yesterday, when we ended up talking about The Matrix at lunch, but I cannot stand him. I just looked him up on IMDB and I am shocked to see that he has movies and all sorts of things through 2013. Find me a movie where he was good, please.
3) I hate being disrespected. This applies to life, but most of my examples are work related. When students ask me one thing, but decide my answer is either wrong or they don't like it, so they go to my co-worker to get (hopefully) a different answer, I die a little inside. I do everything I can to make the Earth move for my students, but these little disrespectful acts get me down. Additionally, I hate when I'm talking to some bill payer (about changing service, additional fees that randomly showed up, etc.) and I'm not getting anywhere, when I give the phone to Brandon and he accomplishes it in less than 10 minutes.
4) I don't want to know where my food came from. I am pretty sure I would be a vegetarian if I lived alone and had different hours at work. I don't want to know that Blue Cheese is molded for a few months, right before I shove that spicy sandwich in my mouth. I don't want to know the process for getting that steak, that pork, or the chicken onto my kitchen table. If I think about it long enough, I won't be able to eat it.
5) Christmas music is classic. Don't mess it up by making it Country, or Rock. If you are going to cover a traditional holiday song, please cover it appropriately. And sing Deck the Hall, no S.
6) I love giving my opinion. But if you ask for it, and don't really want it, that's annoying. Please only ask for input if you need it, not just to justify your own decision making, or to make you look better. Additionally, that's all it is. My opinion. We all are entitled to have one, and most of the time, your opinion cannot be wrong, so please don't tell me that it is.
What are your least favorite things?
#ReverbBroads11: Pet Peeves
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If you haven't heard, I'm blogging with a group of awesome people, following #ReverbBroads11 and posting with a prompt a day through December. Today's prompt: What are your biggest pet peeves?
My sophomore year in high school, we had to give a speech on this very topic. I'm pretty sure I got mocked for what I did it on, but it still stands as one of my pet peeves. As I was growing up, my parents kind of let me be free to make my own choices (leading to mistakes), but were of course there to help me pick myself back up. Something that irritates me is over-protective (& do-everything-for-you) parents. You can call them helicopter parents (who really are just very concerned about their child, which is appropriate), or whatever else you want to call them, but I've met so many people who don't have basic life skills (laundry, dishes, grocery shopping, etc.) because their parents have planned, structured, and done their whole life for them. I don't have children, and my thought on this may change, but it just bugs me.
In addition, (this shouldn't come as a surprise) grammar errors irritate me. In re-reading some of my OWN blog posts from the past, while writing on my iPad, I have found some and that is very frustrating. Spell check and grammar checks exist for some reason, so at least use that.
I also cringe at bad pet-owners. I'm not the exemplary pet owner, and I know that, but basic pet training (generally applying this to dogs) is not that complicated, and is necessary.
It also drives me crazy when we put ourselves down, for whatever reason. Whether we are fat, ugly, our hair sucks, our clothes are stupid, or we are stupid, I can't stand to hear those around me put themselves down. We all live a rough life, and we need to remember that we are who we are for a reason. On that note, say 1 nice thing to someone a day and I promise you'll feel tons better.
What are your pet peeves?
My sophomore year in high school, we had to give a speech on this very topic. I'm pretty sure I got mocked for what I did it on, but it still stands as one of my pet peeves. As I was growing up, my parents kind of let me be free to make my own choices (leading to mistakes), but were of course there to help me pick myself back up. Something that irritates me is over-protective (& do-everything-for-you) parents. You can call them helicopter parents (who really are just very concerned about their child, which is appropriate), or whatever else you want to call them, but I've met so many people who don't have basic life skills (laundry, dishes, grocery shopping, etc.) because their parents have planned, structured, and done their whole life for them. I don't have children, and my thought on this may change, but it just bugs me.
In addition, (this shouldn't come as a surprise) grammar errors irritate me. In re-reading some of my OWN blog posts from the past, while writing on my iPad, I have found some and that is very frustrating. Spell check and grammar checks exist for some reason, so at least use that.
I also cringe at bad pet-owners. I'm not the exemplary pet owner, and I know that, but basic pet training (generally applying this to dogs) is not that complicated, and is necessary.
It also drives me crazy when we put ourselves down, for whatever reason. Whether we are fat, ugly, our hair sucks, our clothes are stupid, or we are stupid, I can't stand to hear those around me put themselves down. We all live a rough life, and we need to remember that we are who we are for a reason. On that note, say 1 nice thing to someone a day and I promise you'll feel tons better.
What are your pet peeves?
#ReverbBroads11 - All Caught up with New Flavors
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Thursday, December 15, 2011
I really began to challenge myself in cooking this year. Sometimes this is hard, because I get home at 7:00 after a super busy and long day and the last thing I want to do is chop, dice, sizzle, and stir. But, with Brandon's assistance, we've made some pretty awesome discoveries.
- We tried MANGO (fresh, not a syrup) for the first time. I loved it, but it took 3 mangoes before I figured out how to cut it. I'm not sure if I could even do it again without watching the YouTube video of how to cut a Mango. I never even asked Brandon if he liked it, because I know it's a keeper.
- I started using Dill Weed (a spice, whether or not Brandon believes me.) I'm still not sure it actually does anything, but I've used it.
- We tried polenta, and may or may not have hated it. It is not making a return to our house.
- I had Mochi and (the second time around) loved it. See Brandon's Birthday Extravaganza for pictures.
- B and I ate at Chick Fil A for the first time and while I loved the TASTE I've recently decided I don't know how much I can support the CHAIN. (Want to know more? Just ask!)
What new flavors have you tried this year?
If you haven't heard, I'm blogging with #ReverbBroads11 and a prompt a day through the month of December. Today's prompt: Did you taste any new flavors this year? Did you love or hate them or something in between? Will you incorporate these new flavors into your life?
- We tried MANGO (fresh, not a syrup) for the first time. I loved it, but it took 3 mangoes before I figured out how to cut it. I'm not sure if I could even do it again without watching the YouTube video of how to cut a Mango. I never even asked Brandon if he liked it, because I know it's a keeper.
- I started using Dill Weed (a spice, whether or not Brandon believes me.) I'm still not sure it actually does anything, but I've used it.
- We tried polenta, and may or may not have hated it. It is not making a return to our house.
- I had Mochi and (the second time around) loved it. See Brandon's Birthday Extravaganza for pictures.
- B and I ate at Chick Fil A for the first time and while I loved the TASTE I've recently decided I don't know how much I can support the CHAIN. (Want to know more? Just ask!)
What new flavors have you tried this year?
If you haven't heard, I'm blogging with #ReverbBroads11 and a prompt a day through the month of December. Today's prompt: Did you taste any new flavors this year? Did you love or hate them or something in between? Will you incorporate these new flavors into your life?
#ReverbBroads11 - Volunteering
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Woah - Nothing can ever prepare you to take a week off of work (even during finals week). I thought I'd be all ready to stay up to date on #ReverbBroads when I got back from vacation, but I've spent some quality time with my couch and my bed. I've been exhausted, which I guess happens when you have to respond to 240+ emails.
I don't volunteer, and I don't know why. I did some volunteer work in high school, and I worked at my Grandma's work for awhile, too, but once I got to college I never could seem to get back in the groove of volunteering, but I want to.
I really want to do something in my life to give back to the community, like volunteering at a homeless shelter, a women's shelter, or working with kids, but I'm not sure how to get involved. If you are in the Chicago area - do you volunteer? Where, and how often? If you don't currently volunteer, do you know of places that could use volunteers?
The biggest question is why haven't I, and there are a few reasons. One reason is time - I'm still working on balancing my personal life and my work schedule (even after a year and a half in my job). Going along with this, I'm sometimes not willing to give up my Saturday or Sunday morning sleep, which is something that has to change. Finally, I'm not always comfortable going outside of my comfort zone, and I don't know many people in the Chicago area that volunteer, so I can't just tag along with a friend or colleague. I'm hoping I can find somewhere near either work or home in the next year that I can help out at.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating in #ReverbBroads11 with a daily blog prompt through December. For today, Is volunteering something you do regularly? If yes where do you volunteer? If not, why not?
I don't volunteer, and I don't know why. I did some volunteer work in high school, and I worked at my Grandma's work for awhile, too, but once I got to college I never could seem to get back in the groove of volunteering, but I want to.
I really want to do something in my life to give back to the community, like volunteering at a homeless shelter, a women's shelter, or working with kids, but I'm not sure how to get involved. If you are in the Chicago area - do you volunteer? Where, and how often? If you don't currently volunteer, do you know of places that could use volunteers?
The biggest question is why haven't I, and there are a few reasons. One reason is time - I'm still working on balancing my personal life and my work schedule (even after a year and a half in my job). Going along with this, I'm sometimes not willing to give up my Saturday or Sunday morning sleep, which is something that has to change. Finally, I'm not always comfortable going outside of my comfort zone, and I don't know many people in the Chicago area that volunteer, so I can't just tag along with a friend or colleague. I'm hoping I can find somewhere near either work or home in the next year that I can help out at.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating in #ReverbBroads11 with a daily blog prompt through December. For today, Is volunteering something you do regularly? If yes where do you volunteer? If not, why not?
#ReverbBroads11 - 3 Best
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On Twitter, I periodically (very rarely, actually) take part in #3best. Some days, it's hard to find 3 things that went right in a day, but I manage. This prompt, however is a lot harder. I don't like to brag, and in my constant comparison of myself to others, I don't think I'm better at much, at least not in comparison. I contemplated not doing this post, but I'm hopeful I can get every post this month (even if they are late.) But, a few days late, here we go:
1) I'm a really fast reader. I managed to read 52 books in the first 40 or so weeks this year. I obtain most of the information, too. In 3rd grade, I checked a book out for silent reading hour and returned it to the library at the end of the hour. My teacher asked why I didn't like the book - she had recommended it. I told her I loved it, and she didn't believe I had finished that quickly, so she gave me a quiz (which I aced.)
2) I'm an excellent gift giver. Honestly, I don't have a very good memory (this makes starting a new job tricky, especially when meeting students) but I latch on when people talk about what they have always wanted (like the Back to the Future trilogy on VHS), or when they talk about things they need, or had as a child that they miss (like a Wood Engraver). I love giving gifts, but don't really like receiving them, because I get nervous (something I cannot explain.)
3) I won't go as far as saying I'm an excellent writer (again, in comparison, I couldn't finish my NaNoWriMo novel) but I'm a fabulous proofreader. Spelling, punctuation, spacing, all of it. I attribute that to my two years as my high school yearbook editor, and my high school English teacher. It's an awesome skill, but it also then irritates me when I get professional publications, emails or letters that are incorrect. I'm always willing to read things through, if you'd like.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating in #ReverbBroads11, a post a day through the month of December. Today's prompt: What are three things you are better at than most people?
1) I'm a really fast reader. I managed to read 52 books in the first 40 or so weeks this year. I obtain most of the information, too. In 3rd grade, I checked a book out for silent reading hour and returned it to the library at the end of the hour. My teacher asked why I didn't like the book - she had recommended it. I told her I loved it, and she didn't believe I had finished that quickly, so she gave me a quiz (which I aced.)
2) I'm an excellent gift giver. Honestly, I don't have a very good memory (this makes starting a new job tricky, especially when meeting students) but I latch on when people talk about what they have always wanted (like the Back to the Future trilogy on VHS), or when they talk about things they need, or had as a child that they miss (like a Wood Engraver). I love giving gifts, but don't really like receiving them, because I get nervous (something I cannot explain.)
3) I won't go as far as saying I'm an excellent writer (again, in comparison, I couldn't finish my NaNoWriMo novel) but I'm a fabulous proofreader. Spelling, punctuation, spacing, all of it. I attribute that to my two years as my high school yearbook editor, and my high school English teacher. It's an awesome skill, but it also then irritates me when I get professional publications, emails or letters that are incorrect. I'm always willing to read things through, if you'd like.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating in #ReverbBroads11, a post a day through the month of December. Today's prompt: What are three things you are better at than most people?
12/9/2011 #ReverbBroads11 - Children's Book
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When I was younger, I had a library. Sounds cute, right? Well, it was a little obsessive. You had to check the books out, and I'm sure I'd try to fine you if you returned it late. My parents still have most of them, but I've slowly taken the books back, especially my favorites. I loved The American Girl, The Boxcar Children, Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys so much, but in re-thinking, here are my favorites.
1) Cap'n O.G. Read More - I still can quote this book. This cat has such an appetite for books, and whenever my own cat "comes back" from somewhere in the house, I serenade Brandon with the details of this cat and his love for reading.
2) The Very Hungry Caterpillar - what is not to love about this colorful, fun, learning book?
3) I Have To Go - this book is about the need to pee. Not necessarily a potty training book, but it was a staple growing up, especially on road trips. I have what a friend of mine refers to as a hummingbird bladder, so this was always enjoyable, because it was generally true.
4) Love You Forever - My dad was military, and I remember (this could be a made up memory) reading this book, about the love from parents to children, and thinking that my dad could hear me and knew that was true, no matter where he was.
5) In the Night Kitchen - I remember loving this book. I still have it, even if it is inappropriate with a naked child. The illustrations are brilliant, and I still enjoy this classic.
6) Stand Back Said the Elephant - My dad would do the greatest voices to books. Since he was gone a lot, he made me a tape recording of him reading a number of my favorites. This one always had the best voices, and was also very, very silly.
7) Paper Bag Princess - My mom always read this tale to me. It was ridiculous, but all I remember was loving the story and the illustrations. I don't own this any,ore, so I may need to put it on a wish list (or just buy it for myself.)
8) the Indian in the Cupboard - I recently bought this movie from a $5.00 bin and it was just as amazing I remember. I did a lot of dress up and pretend play, and I remember incorporating a magical cabinet into my play time, too.
9) The Egypt Game - A book that I read later in my childhood, but one that I loved. I still own this, and actually bought her second novel (The Gypsy Game) recently. Of course, I read it a lot faster, but I still loved it. The friendship between Melanie and April was something that I longed for, as I remember struggling to have that long lasting friendship, especially considering how often I moved schools during elementary school.
I normally hate to leave things at such an awkward number, but those are my nine favorites. Even if you are not participating in #ReverbBroads11, I hope you share your favorites with me.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating (but can't seem to remember to actually PUBLISH the posts) in #ReverbBroads11, a daily prompt through December. Today's prompt: What was your favorite children's book?
1) Cap'n O.G. Read More - I still can quote this book. This cat has such an appetite for books, and whenever my own cat "comes back" from somewhere in the house, I serenade Brandon with the details of this cat and his love for reading.
2) The Very Hungry Caterpillar - what is not to love about this colorful, fun, learning book?
3) I Have To Go - this book is about the need to pee. Not necessarily a potty training book, but it was a staple growing up, especially on road trips. I have what a friend of mine refers to as a hummingbird bladder, so this was always enjoyable, because it was generally true.
4) Love You Forever - My dad was military, and I remember (this could be a made up memory) reading this book, about the love from parents to children, and thinking that my dad could hear me and knew that was true, no matter where he was.
5) In the Night Kitchen - I remember loving this book. I still have it, even if it is inappropriate with a naked child. The illustrations are brilliant, and I still enjoy this classic.
6) Stand Back Said the Elephant - My dad would do the greatest voices to books. Since he was gone a lot, he made me a tape recording of him reading a number of my favorites. This one always had the best voices, and was also very, very silly.
7) Paper Bag Princess - My mom always read this tale to me. It was ridiculous, but all I remember was loving the story and the illustrations. I don't own this any,ore, so I may need to put it on a wish list (or just buy it for myself.)
8) the Indian in the Cupboard - I recently bought this movie from a $5.00 bin and it was just as amazing I remember. I did a lot of dress up and pretend play, and I remember incorporating a magical cabinet into my play time, too.
9) The Egypt Game - A book that I read later in my childhood, but one that I loved. I still own this, and actually bought her second novel (The Gypsy Game) recently. Of course, I read it a lot faster, but I still loved it. The friendship between Melanie and April was something that I longed for, as I remember struggling to have that long lasting friendship, especially considering how often I moved schools during elementary school.
I normally hate to leave things at such an awkward number, but those are my nine favorites. Even if you are not participating in #ReverbBroads11, I hope you share your favorites with me.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating (but can't seem to remember to actually PUBLISH the posts) in #ReverbBroads11, a daily prompt through December. Today's prompt: What was your favorite children's book?
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